1978 Honda Hobbit, Part 1 - Getting it to run

Non running 1978 Hobbit PA50 I. I used the forums at www.mopedarmy.com, where I also downloaded the service manual - http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Honda_PA_Manuals Directions for carb cleaning and removal http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Honda_PA_Carburetor_/_Fuel The three obvious issues were flat tires (0:04), a broken pet c**k (1:08) (snapped lever, stuck "off") and that it had been sitting since 1988. I cleaned the stale gas that had turned to varnish from inside the tank and put a new petcock on https://www.treatland.tv/honda-hobbit-clear-OMG-petcock-12mm-thread-p/omg-12mm-01z2101024.htm Lubricated the Variator (9:24) (plate has a lot of wear) with Malossi MRG Grease https://www.treatland.tv/malossi-MRG-performance-variator-grease-p/malossi-variatr-grease-7611882.htm Checked belt and chain tension (19:19), chain is a little loose, but I left it alone and replaced the Air Filter (19:47). https://www.treatland.tv/original-OEM-honda-PA50-hobbit-air-filter-element-p/air-filter-element-148610.htm Flushed out then filled the rear wheel gearbox (21:41) which was empty with 75cc of Valvoline 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BZQFCHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BZQFCHY&linkCode=as2&tag=n0841-20&linkId=4PTEWDCH6UW3SNO6 Hoped that given the petcock was off, that the carb had been run dry so I wouldn't need to clean it. So I replaced the spark plug (25:14) and put fresh premix in the tank and attempted to start it (27:18)- nothing (but always on headlight did work when engine turned over). I checked for spark (28:03) before removing the carb just in case, that worked fine - but the plug was dry so pretty much guaranteed a carb issue Used "Carb Removal Method 3" from Moped Army (28:41) http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Honda_PA_Carburetor_/_Fuel#Carb_Removal_.2F_Method_Three-_The_Easy_AND_BEST_way.21 Bungie cord and a stool/bench on each side of the front wheel to stop it turning and falling off the jack. Cleaned the carb (34:09), which was full of varnish - I made mistakes cleaning the carb, forgot to remove the drain plug and bowl o-ring before putting in parts cleaner, reinstalled bowl the wrong way etc Carb Cleaner Dip I used was the old style Gunk Brand Carb-Medic, the new version has bad reviews so this link is nearest to that http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DSMEL2A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DSMEL2A&linkCode=as2&tag=n0841-20&linkId=VSMRJXDWVJUKGYYM And Chlorinated spray http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002008O7O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002008O7O&linkCode=as2&tag=n0841-20&linkId=RBDVQ777U5J3HJJ4 along with toothbrush, shop rags, metal clothes hanger and this tool from K&S Supply to clean the jet. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DDMB2I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DDMB2I&linkCode=as2&tag=n0841-20&linkId=AJQU2VQECBPBVFZO put it back together, re installed back on the moped (59:33) using allen head bolts for the intake instead of phillips because they are easier to get to (using a ball end allen wrench) - engine fired right up (1:04:43), little bit of adjusting for the idle and air/fuel mix screw.

Added 3 Jul 2026